Motor vehicle collisions are unfortunately common around Virginia, much like the rest of the US. Fatal and injury-causing accidents are tragic, with consequences that can affect victims for weeks, months, and years into the future. While state law does allow you to recover compensation for your losses, the claims process can be complicated from a legal standpoint. Having a lawyer advocate on your behalf is critical, so you will eventually wonder: “How do I find an auto accident attorney near me?” Your first move should be contacting Hampton Injury Law PLC to set up a case evaluation, but you can also read on for the answers to frequently asked questions about vehicle collisions.
Most crashes are caused by negligence, which carries a very specific definition in the practice of law. To recover compensation, you must prove that the other driver was careless in handling the vehicle, and this misconduct was the direct cause of the accident. You also need to show that you suffered losses because of your injuries.
The most common types of negligent acts in auto collisions include:
Yes, you can obtain monetary damages for a wide range of losses that result from auto crash injuries. Your economic damages may include medical bills, lost wages, and out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages, such as pain, suffering, scarring, disfigurement, and other losses are also available depending on your case.
Your first step is to file an injury claim with the responsible motorist’s insurance company. It may be possible to negotiate a settlement, but insurers can be reluctant to payout. If you do not have solid evidence of fault and your injuries, your claim may be denied, or you could receive a lowball counteroffer. If the company is unwilling to settle, you will need to file a lawsuit in court.
Are there any limitations in a Virginia vehicle crash case? Virginia has a statute of limitations that requires you to file a lawsuit in court within two years after the accident. Failure to do so results in forfeiture of your right to compensation, and there are only a few limited exceptions. Plus, the rule of contributory negligence applies to auto accident cases. If you contributed to the crash in any way, you are prohibited from recovering any monetary damages for your losses.
If you have additional questions beyond how to find an auto accident attorney near me, please call Hampton Injury Law PLC to schedule a case evaluation. A Virginia motor vehicle crash lawyer can explain your legal options and remedies after reviewing the details of your case.
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